“The two British colonial domains of Australia and Upper Canada were a world away in 1837. Yet a tragic link between them was forged by the brief Mackenzie Rebellion sparked by an initial gun-battle in the town of York (now Toronto) between rebel settlers and a corrupt local political regime. The uprising ended tragically for 100 Canadian British, and American rebels who were transported as convicts to the far-off prison camps of Van Diemensland, Australia.” By Sidney Allinson published on Pinterest

What happened to the rebels who were captured in the year after the 1837 Mackenzie Rebellion, especially those who were transported to Tasmania? Dr. John Carter has travelled there nine times researching their destiny. He will be sharing his findings with the Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society on Monday, April 20th at 7:30 p.m. at the Tec We Gwill Hall, Newton Robinson. Visitors welcome. For more information, phone 905-775-7144.

Pride in Our Past and Care for Our Future

Hills of Heritage blog is a guide for residents of Southern Ontario and their neighbours to the physical, written and oral evidence of our shared past. By understanding from whence we came, we shape our future with greater confidence.